It was a simple, but elegant awards ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall on Friday, May 21, 2004. The recently restored Radio City was as much a dazzling star as the gorgeous and handsome celebrities of the daytime industry.

Host Vanessa Marcil (Sam, Las Vegas), a Daytime Emmy winner for her role as Brenda Barrett on ABC's General Hospital, announced that there would be no big production numbers (except one to honor Sesame Street), and no interruptions to the actors thanking their friends, co-workers, peers, because after all, no one wins an Emmy in a void. The winners are:

Outstanding Supporting ActorRick Hearst (Ric, GH)

...who first ran down the aisle to hug and kiss members of his family, than ran to the stage, practically jumping up upon it, to take his place at the podium. In a tearful tribute to his dad, who had passed away three years before, to the day, Hearst was truly humbled by the honor. This was Hearst's first win in the Supporting Actor Category. He had previously won in 1991 for Outstanding Younger Acter in a Drama Series for his role on Guiding Light.

Outstanding Supporting ActressCady McClain (Rosanna, ATWT)

...who had won an Emmy previously for her role as Dixie Martin on All My Children, was grateful to ATWT's EP, Christopher Goutman who had known and worked with Cady "since I was 19," she said. He had extended her the opportunity to explore the new character of Rosanna on a new show, an opportunity for which she was extremely grateful.

Outstanding Younger ActorChad Brannon (Zander, GH)

...who, with that Cheshire cat ear-to-ear grin, couldn't have been more pleased and grateful for his win. This was his first ever Emmy Award.

Outstanding Younger ActressJennifer Finnegan (ex Bridget, B&B)

...who was so totally taken off guard with surprise at her win. This was her third win in this category, and this year's perhaps being bittersweet, as Finnegan left B&B earlier in the year to pursue a prime time career. Finnegan broke a Daytime Emmy record, being the first actor in Daytime Emmy history to won a Daytime Emmy award three years consecutively in the same category.

Outstanding Leading ActressMichelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R)

...who had not prepared a thank you speech ("I don't plan anything. That's kind of cheese ball," she told Soapdom's Linda Marshall-Smith at the LA Creative Craft Awards last week. For more on that story, click here). Regardless, she was gracious and always with that spark of mischief evident, thanked her mom for encouraging her to pursue outlets that let her explore her quirkiness as a young girl.

Outstanding Leading ActorTony Geary (Luke, GH)

...who was literally flabbergasted by this, his fourth win in the Lead Actor category, saying had he known he'd be walking away with the statue he'd have had someone do something about his hair -- which was spiked and rather haphazardly rumpled. Let's call the do, "casually formal!" Ever the gracious winner, however, Geary pointed to co-star and fellow nominee for Outstanding Leading Actor, Maurice Benard (Sonny), saying that Benard was robbed.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama SeriesAs the World Turns

....and this time head writer, Hogan Sheffer made a point to thank Chris Goutman, the show's EP.

Outstanding Directing for a Drama SeriesGeneral Hospital

...whose directing team was honored with its fourth award.

Outstanding Drama SeriesYoung and the Restless

...winning the top honor for the 6th time in the show's 29-year history.

Stay tuned to Soapdom.com for more of our exclusive coverage on Daytime's biggest night! We've got tons more to share, so please keep checking back to Soapdom all week long.